A teenage girl has suffered serious head injuries after being thrown from a seaside funfair ride.

The 18-year-old plunged from a ride called The Rocker which sways people from side to side at speed.

Emergency services rushed to the scene on Worthing seafront on Thursday night and the teenager was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.

One witness said the girl lost consciousness on the ride and the momentum of the ride caused her to be thrown from her seat.

Grace Ridge-Edwards told the Argus: “I witnessed everything and I can assure you she did not try to climb out.

“She passed out into the empty seat next to her and the power of the ride caused her to fly out.”

Another witness said: "Just saw a young girl fall out of a ride on the seafront in Worthing from the top. Hit her head and bust her ankle.

"They have not died and only one ride was closed off and taped up."

Facebook user Sarah Felton added: "Her ankle was broken as bone was popping out but also hit her head pretty hard so was bleeding.

"My partner ran over there to make sure she was breathing and he ended up saving her life.

"She's in hospital so she is in safe hands."

The funfair ride is now being investigated by the Health and Safety Executive.

Sussex Police said: "A police unit was on patrol on Marine Parade in Worthing seafront at around 9.30pm on Thursday when they were made aware of an 18-year-old woman who had fallen from one of the fair rides.

"They provided initial first aid and paramedics arrived soon after to give further medical assistance.

"The woman was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton with a head and ankle injury where she is still receiving medical treatment.

"Police cordoned off the scene and spoke to witness.

"Sussex Police is liaising with the Health and Safety Executive who will be conducting their own investigation."